Seriously, is there a union in America that isn’t corrupt? Even the national teachers union, the National Educators Association is nothing less than a cabal of Communists trying to brainwash America’s youth. So it should come as no surprise when the UAW is embroiled in a multi-million dollar embezzlement scandal, right?

As the UAW, Fiat Chrysler and federal investigators unravel a scandal over the misappropriation of millions of dollars meant for worker training, federal records show that embezzling from union offices is endemic around the country.

U.S. Department of Labor documents obtained by the Free Press show embezzlement from hundreds of union offices nationwide over the past decade. In just the past two years, more than 300 union locations have discovered theft, often resulting in more than one person charged in each instance, the records show.

Two UAW incidents uncovered in 2017, one in Michigan and the other in New Jersey, exceed the $1-million mark, among the biggest labor theft cases in a decade.

Individual cases compiled by the Office of Labor-Management Standards last year cite theft and fraud ranging from $1,051 to nearly $6.5 million.

“Unions are not unique,” said Peter Henning, a former federal prosecutor who teaches law at Wayne State University. “Another group hit hard by embezzlement are churches. You can’t train people to be ethical. It’s just access to money.”

He added, “These people view themselves as overworked and underpaid. Well, I’ve just identified 80% of the country.”

Indeed, prosecutors say theft is common from nonprofits and small businesses, and often goes undetected for years. Thieves often are beloved colleagues who leave a profound sense of betrayal.

The Labor Department records show that union theft happens in big cities and tiny towns in all corners of the country. Usually, the crimes are committed by the union local’s bookkeeper, president or treasurer. Gambling addiction is an issue at times. Frequently, money goes to buy luxury items.

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